Oil Leaks

[tykes]

My 993 has developed a couple of slight oil leaks which is no surprise!
I removed the undertray and there was a quantity of oil accumulated in it and enough for some to have found its way to the garage floor which is how I spotted it. Looking up it appears to be coming from the valve covers and cam chain covers on the near side. There was also some oil on top of the heat exchanger so I assume this had dripped from the valve cover. Some of the lower fixing bolts are definitely wet.

I tightened the cover bolts slightly but not sure yet if that has made any difference - i doubt it.

My question is therefore: is it possible to renew the gaskets on both the lower valve covers and chain covers without removing the engine? I would propose to do both sides. The upper valve cover appear dry.

Many thanks

 

[BarryN]

Hello Tykes

The Gaskets get compressed over time and get hard and lose flexibility.

They are not too difficult to change, but be prepared for rusty Allen bolts, I knocked some Torx into mine when the Allen head was too rusted away.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/pcar_com/993_lower_valve_cover_gasket_seal.htm

Some help on Richards site as well.

http://www.jackals-forge.com/lotus/993/993_diary.html

Get some degreaser to clean everything up as well (and lots of rags)

Have fun.

Barry

 

[clyde]

The metal inserts at the bolt holes in the cam covers can also detach from the plastic cover and no amount of tightening will stop the leak. if the bolts are wet it is likely that yours are detached and would suggest replacing the covers. The top covers are maybe just as bad but as oil drains away from the these {but towards the lower ones) they don't actually leak oil.

The lower cam covers can be changed (with new rubber gaskets) relatively easily from underneath with the engine in place.

 

[tykes]

Many thanks for the helpful replies.

I think it probably makes sense to replace the lower covers and bolts.

Regarding the chain covers they look a lot more tricky as I cannot even see the upper bolts, however as there is only a very slight misting perhaps I will leave these for the moment. Unfortunately I have no plans to change the clutch any time soon as this was done a few years back when there were no leaks. Having only covered a couple of 1000 miles in that time perhaps that's the reason they have started to leak. The car is telling me to drive it more often!!

Having now sold my 2 996s I have every intention of doing so!

Happy New Year